During the spring of 2006, Nordregio and its partners finalized a major study on six so-called 'insular' areas, three of which were mentioned above. In addition, Kainuu (Finland), Eyjafjordur (Iceland) and Åland were also studied. Indeed, Åland could be the next area to be challenged if the EU decides to remove the possibility for 'tax-free sales', hundreds of jobs on the Åland-owned ferries may be jeopardized.
With a few exceptions, these insular societies contain no less innovation potential or simply put, the will to succeed, than for example the national capital areas. They are, indeed active in creating new jobs: In education, in sports and leisure, in tourism and in high-tech and engineering. In Åland, for example, local IT-companies want to hire 100 new staff. That is lot for a relatively small community. In Eyjafjordur, there is growth even in one of the primary industries, and some sixty Poles have moved to the area, to work in the fishing-industry.
"To stay" in insular societies has traditionally been an important issue – in local as well as in national politics. On the local level, one reason is that simply to continue to live in such an area is of great social value in itself. One is away from the 'hustle and the bustle' of the city. Tranquillity surrounds you and neighbours are usually friendly – although not always. Nature, culture, and tradition abound. Perhaps most importantly, one can live in a place that represents ones roots, a place where one can say, "I belong here".
The study definitively underlines the fact that 'insular' need not mean 'isolated'. One might live hundreds of kilometres from the capital, yet several daily flights, on weekdays as well as during holidays, are available. Mobile telephones and internet access have had a massive impact, but perhaps most important of all is the fact that the majority of people we are talking about here are, in comparative global terms, rich – that is, rich enough to get away once in while for a holiday to Thailand, for example.
The belief that insularity equates to backwardness and stagnation remains difficult to dispel. We would like however to argue that this need not be so, in particular, when discussing jobs and labour possibilities. For example, Ulstein, Åland, and Eyjafjordur each have long traditions of high levels of self-employment when times are bad.
Transport and communications networks are vital for insular regions, while in the Nordic countries at least these fundamental linkages are constantly improving. As such then, we can say quite categorically that, 'insular living' is here to stay!
Sorry and welcome
Production of the Journal of Nordregio has been delayed this year because of the change in editorship. Naturally, we apologise to our loyal readership. To compensate for this in some small way this first issue of the year has been expanded by an additional four pages, to 28 in total. We have also tried to simplify the editorial profile, and trust that you will enjoy this.
The plan remains that there will four issues of the Journal of Nordregio this year. In issue number two, planned for early September, we will focus on changes in the EU structural funds and support for agricultural development. We also hope to have a closer look at the whole concept of regions – in the European context.
Later in the year, the plan is to investigate energy in its regional Nordic context. Studies of the Nordic capital-regions and the second home-movement are also on the agenda, as well as pieces on the Polar- regions and the Barents Sea. Suggestions in this context are most welcome.
For a few of you, this will be the first time you have received the Journal of Nordregio. We have taken the liberty to put you on our list of subscribers, in the hope that the magazine will be of interest to you. Should that not be the case, we hope that you will notify us so that we can quickly remove your name from our mailing list.
It remains to say thanks to all of you, and we hope you all enjoy the read!
Odd Iglebaek